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Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
The Bad Guys
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.
Image courtesy of the Lyndon Baines Johnson Library and Museum.

The Bad Guys

Artifact ID1973.1.2456
Object Type Cartoon Drawing
Artist (United States)
Gifter
Medium Ink and grease pencil on drawing paper
DimensionsOverall H 13 3/4 in x W 11 in (34.9 cm x 27.9 cm )
Physical Description
Physical DescriptionOriginal cartoon drawing. LBJ, a sheriff, stands in a street facing five armed men ("‘Friends’”, “War Critics”, “Popularity Lost”, “Inflation”, and “Budget"). Caption: “The Bad Guys”. Artist signature lower left: "Buescher”.
Inscriptions and MarkingsHandwritten at lower left: “Mon-”. Handwritten at upper right: “50 3-33”.
Historical NoteWhen Lyndon B. Johnson signed the 1964 Revenue Act that decreased income taxes and refused to raise taxes, spending by consumers and businesses increased. Along with government spending on the Vietnam War and Great Society, all of this increase of demand led to inflation. Johnson could decrease inflation by raising taxes or lowering government spending. President Johnson’s approval ratings were very high at the start of his presidency, but by 1967-1968, his approval ratings declined due to the Vietnam War. Lyndon Johnson received criticism from Democrats and Republicans over the Vietnam War. The war ended up dividing the Democrat party, and many Democrats blamed Johnson for the war and criticized him for it while others supported Johnson’s policies. Many Republicans also opposed the Vietnam War. In 1967 Anti-war Republicans released the White Paper on Vietnam that pointed to the high loss of life, unpopularity, and expenses caused by the Vietnam War. Like other critics of the Vietnam War, Republicans criticized the credibility gap, the lack of disclosure to the media about the Vietnam War, and extended its meaning to skepticism about other policies.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from the general public to President Johnson during his term in office. It was received by President Johnson, until the President donated it to the Lyndon B Johnson Presidential Library in 1973.
Credit LineGift of Lyndon Baines Johnson
National Archives Catalog CollectionLyndon B. Johnson Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 192413)
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 189698395)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Fully
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights are held by individuals or entities other than the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum. The LBJ Presidential Library and Museum does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
Person Referenced Lyndon Baines Johnson (United States, 1908 - 1973)
In Collection(s)
Not on view
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